Total Workout Device

ABSTRACT

A modular exercise system is provided that includes a first gripping member having an elongate opening sufficiently large to permit a user to place at least two hands in the opening, the opening having a profile ergonomically configured to facilitate grasping of the first gripping member with a user&#39;s hands; a second gripping member comprising an elongate opening, the elongate opening configured to permit a user to exert force on the second gripping member with at least part of the user&#39;s body; and a force-resistant member having first and second ends each configured to be connected the first and second gripping members, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ends of the force-resistant member comprise a detachable connector that may be used to connect the force-resistant member to the first or second gripping members.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 61/650,597 filed on Mar. 23, 2012, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is a device related to the field of resistance training exercises which works by pulling two handles of the device in opposite directions, or in an alternate embodiment, by pulling a handle at one end and pressing on the foot resting area of the foot platform at the other end.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The conventional prior art has some limited applications regarding resistance training and total physical fitness. The related art has two handles each with a fist-size grip and some long tension springs in the mid-section, which connect to these handles. The related art can only be used by hands which enhances shoulder and upper extremity muscles. On the other hand, there are some other related resistance training exercisers and equipment in this field that do not satisfy all individuals due to some restricted applications of these exercisers for example, some are built in the form of heavy machines which prevent their easy displacement or mobility.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include a device comprised of some easily separable sections and mainly made of aluminum which gives it a light weight characteristic, can be easily dismantled and reassembled, and easily be transported. Therefore, embodiments of this present invention can be used in different places when desired. At least one embodiment has six long tension springs in the middle and two handles for stretching these springs apart to create force. In an alternate embodiment, the second handle can be replaced by a foot platform in which case by applying pressure with the legs on it a strong resistance force can be resulted. The mentioned six tension springs can be replaced by a long resilient rubber cord when desired. There are two loops on the main handle to be used along with two ropes in some types of exercises. There is a pedometer on the main handle to record and note the number of repetitions which will assist in measuring progress for future workouts.

This present invention is an exerciser comprised of five essential sections that is, two handles, one foot platform, six long tension (resilient) springs, and six locking clips to connect these sections together in different embodiment. This present invention's main purpose is to provide a modified and novel exerciser which is comprised of components for creation of low to high resisting forces. The reason for these forces is the function of six long tension springs which are located in the mid-section of the device and are connected to two handles by six locking clips on each end. On the other hand, if the device has a handle at one end and the foot platform on the other end, a massive resisting force can be created by pulling the handle and pressing the foot platform in opposite directions.

This present invention is a novel and modified exerciser which provides an improved light weight, easily separable and moveable exerciser for resistance training and total physical fitness. The present invention can provide different exercisers when its configuration altered by some related accessory parts such as an ankle strap, a long resilient rubber cord, and two ropes each with 40 inches in length. This invention facilitates a relatively unique way of exercising when lying on the back, pulling the handle with the hands, and pushing the foot platform with the feet. This invention facilitates a method of unique exercise in its class, when the device is positioned on the back side of the body and by stepping on the foot platform and using the two ropes going through two loops of the main handle, the user can enhance and tone the muscles of the arms. This invention also provides a resisting force creating exerciser for most of the muscles of the human body when it is positioned on left or right side of the body, and after stepping on the foot platform the handle is pulled upward and then extended downward.

The present invention provides an exerciser for enhancement of the arms muscles, by positioning the device in front of the body and doing arm curls or upright-row motions. This invention facilitates an exercise in which two people can do a serious work out, while seated, with using two handles and each person pulls one handle in opposite direction and then back to start position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an ankle strap that may be used with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8-10 show a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in use;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use; and

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment incorporating features of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 6 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a workout device designed and specifically created to exercise within various positions, including on the ground.

Referring now to the drawn figures, there are five main sections in the “Total Workout Device” which join together as follows: Two handles 12 and 14, six long tension (resilient) springs 20 connected at one end to for example, the handle 12, and at the other end to the foot platform 16 by six safety locking clips on each of them. The handle 12 has a handle grip area 26 shaped to provide a comfortable gripping area. Six long tension springs 20 join to six locking clips 38 then to six loops 28 of the handle 12. Also, six springs 20 join to the foot platform 16 by the help of locking clips 38 and loops 18. A pair of ropes 40 with each 40 inches length pass through two loops 24 on handle 12, as shown in FIG. 12.

The invention components could be manufactured by the following materials: There are a set of six long tension springs 20 and safety clips 38 which are typically metallic. A long resilient rubber cord 32, for example, may replace the springs 20. The handles 12, and 14 and the foot platform 16 can be manufactured from, for example, plastic, wood, aluminum, or the like. The ropes 40 and an ankle strap 34, with buckle 36, may be made from different fabrics or leather.

A pedometer 30 is mounted or adhered on the handle 12 to show the number of repetitions (mode on “step”). It should be noted that the number of resilient springs 20 in the middle part of the device 10 can be decreased to one or increased up to six springs for creating lesser to higher resisting forces. The device 10 can also be reconfigured by using two handles 12 and 14 on both ends of six springs 20, and by the usage of the long resilient rubber cord 32 instead of the springs 20.

Some of the device 10 applications are as follows:

-   -   I. FIG. 10 shows an execution in which a person 42 can exercise         by lying down on her or his back in a crunch position, pulls the         handle 12, and presses on foot platform 16 by legs, for         abdominal muscles enhancement in particular.     -   II. As FIG. 10 shows a person lying down on her or his back         holding the handle grip 12 with the hands in a flexed position         from elbows, in a static state but legs will be in kinetic         motion that is, extension/flexion of the knees' joints.     -   III. Also in FIG. 10 the person can reverse the moves comparing         to above exercise II that means, the legs will be held in an         extended straight position but hands flex, pull the handle 12         towards the chin and then extend hands alternatively.     -   IV. In this way of exercise, FIG. 12, the person can pass two         ropes 40 through the two loops 24 located on the main handle 12.         Then, positions the device behind the body and step on the foot         platform 16 and do the pullover moves for upper body and upper         extremity muscles enhancement.     -   V. As in FIG. 9, the device's handle is held in front of the         body with fingers and thumb facing up and after stepping on the         foot platform 16, hand-curl moves can be done. Also, if the         handle 12 is held with fingers and thumb facing the ground,         upright-row moves are applicable.     -   VI. As in FIG. 11, if two people use the device 10 and at the         same time by holding the handles 12 and 14 on each end, they can         exercise together while seated and facing each other and pulling         the handles alternatively.     -   VII. By hanging the handle 12 or handle 14 of the device 10 at a         higher point than head level, for example, the usage of the two         ropes 40, a person can do lateral pull-down moves.     -   VIII. As FIG. 8 shows a person can keep the device 10 on the         left or right side of the body and put one foot on top of the         foot platform 16. She or he can work out by side bending and         pulling up the handle 12 then returning to the up-right         position.     -   IX. If a person has two separate workout devices 10, by keeping         one set on each side of the body, he or she can do squat moves.     -   X. In this manner of exercise, a person can tie-up her or his         ankle to the handle 12 by the help of two loops 24 and the ankle         strap buckle. Then by affixing the other end of the device 10 at         one point constant or by the help of a partner, the person can         work out on adductor and abductor muscles of the legs.

In all of the above described different types of exercises, the usage of the pedometer 30 (with mode of the set on “step”) can keep the records of the total number of repetitions, if desired.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A modular exercise system for enhanced versatile use, the system comprising: a first gripping member comprising an elongate opening sufficiently large to permit a user to place at least two hands in the opening, the opening having a profile ergonomically configured to facilitate grasping of the first gripping member with a user's hands; a second gripping member comprising an elongate opening, the elongate opening configured to permit a user to exert force on the second gripping member with at least part of the user's body; and a force-resistant member having first and second ends each configured to be connected the first and second gripping members, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ends of the force-resistant member comprise a detachable connector that may be used to connect the force-resistant member to the first or second gripping members.
 9. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein the second gripping member comprises a similar configuration to the first gripping member, permitting a user to use at least both hands in the elongate opening of the second gripping member.
 10. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein the second gripping member comprises a foot platform in part defining the elongate opening of the second gripping member, wherein the foot platform is configured to permit a user to place their foot within at least a part of the elongate opening.
 11. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein the detachable connector of the force-resistant member comprises a safety locking clip.
 12. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein the force-resistant member comprises an elongate spring.
 13. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein the force-resistant member comprises an elastic cable.
 14. The modular exercise system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first and second gripping members comprises a sensor to detect motion of the gripping member during use.
 15. The modular exercise system of claim 14, wherein the sensor is configured to indicate to the user the number of repetitions. 